Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
